Essendon coach Brad Scott has expressed his support for Patrick Dangerfield following the Geelong star’s successful appeal against a one-game suspension for rough conduct. Dangerfield’s clearance to play against Essendon this weekend comes after he contested a tackle on Carlton’s Sam Walsh at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.
“I watched it (Dangerfield’s tackle) live and thought he didn’t have a case to answer in the first place,” Scott remarked, emphasizing his belief in Dangerfield’s handling of the situation. Scott admitted he prepared for Dangerfield to play and avoided speculation until the appeal outcome was confirmed.
Scott also cautioned against excessive expectations on players regarding dangerous tackles, noting the complexities involved in such situations. He praised Dangerfield for exercising duty of care in his tackle on Walsh and commended his explanation during the tribunal process.
As Essendon readies to face Geelong at the MCG, Scott’s comments highlight the significance of Dangerfield’s availability for the struggling Cats, who have faced challenges in recent games. Essendon, currently in a strong position on the ladder, aims to overcome their historical struggle against Geelong, having last defeated them in 2018.
Meanwhile, Essendon’s ruck prospects are optimistic with Sam Draper returning to form after an eight-week absence, presenting a formidable challenge for Geelong’s lineup.
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